Second time not so good
by QualiTas on 30/11/24Rating: 3 out of 5I/we have seen the HSCC twice now at Wrest Point Entertainment Centre in Hobart. Their first Hobart concert five months ago was brilliant! albeit some minor bass feedback issues at the start, a great HSCC backdrop, set, stage lighting and sound and all 12 members of the band were perfect, and their first set list was brilliant too. Unfortunately their second appearance at Wrest Point a few weeks ago was nowhere near as good. They were missing their stage backdrops and set, their set list wasn't as good as previous, and they over-sang a lot of songs to the point of screaming high pitched notes for as long as possible instead of singing the high notes in tune for the appropriate timing. We were seated mid section in the Tasman Room (both times) and it was a real disappointment compared to their first Hobart concert five months ago. The screaming songs were not appreciated by those around and in front of us, bar one young man who gave her a standing ovation each time. Our ears hurt, it was not good, and why they chose to do this was beyond us. The sound was dreadful with lots of bass feedback, sound missing from the left channel, auto tune was used with some other weird sound that ruined the first song after intermission; Phil Collins' In The Air Tonight, which first time round was better than the artist! Their set list wasn't as good as previously but it was still good and they looked very tired on stage this time. I/we could hardly falter their first Wrest Point concert but this second one was disappointing, well half was, which was a real shame especially as tickets weren't cheap at $107.00 all up via Ticketmaster. They are returning in April 2025 but at The Odeon which is a standing only venue except for some restricted viewing seats upstairs. Wrest Point Entertainment Centre can be difficult for acoustics because of the wooden panels but The Odeon can be difficult too. At least you can sit or stand at Wrest Point and if you really can't wait for a drink you queue at intermission for 10 minutes. At The Odeon you probably won't have to wait as long for your alcohol, if you're that way inclined. At The Odeon, where does everyone park? Capacity is smaller so maybe city parking won't be a problem? The HSCC play 70s and 80s covers which puts the audience at the older age, over 50, and I'm not sure wanting or able to stand and drink for over two hours at The Odeon. I really hope their next concert puts the problems of their previous one far behind us. They should do if they go back to how they performed the first time we saw them here in Hobart (no Launceston which is a shame for all the northerners).
Will I be there next time? I'd love to be! but for the ticket price, viewing options, sound issues, and singing; PLEASE no more high pitched screaming/singing... hold the note in tune for the sake of my eardrums. I'm really hoping I can afford to see you all again in April 2025 and thank you for putting Tassie on your 2024 tour list. We did appreciate it.